Major Mackay infrastructure upgrade to disrupt traffic

CONSTRUCTION works will get under way near the Mackay Showgrounds next month with a major water main replacement urgently needed.

Mackay company Vasallo Constructions have won the $454K tender to replace the 79-year-old case iron main, which is 19 years over it's 'use by date'.

The water main, which runs from the Bruce Hwy - Shakespearce Street to Gordon Street, has exceeded the typical 60-year design life for similar systems and is at risk of serious oxidation.

Council fear if the main is not replaced, continued oxidation may result in a significant reduction in the structural integrity of the water main increasing the likelihood of a pipe failure.

Council also fear the pipe may be damaged in the scheduled Mackay Showgrounds development/upgrade.

The replacement of the main is likely to cause traffic disruptions on Gordon St, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Mackay Regional Council proposing plans to bury the water main across Gordon St near the Milton St intersection.

The funding for this project is in the Water Capital Budget for Financial Year 2017/18.